Tallinn is an old, quiet and beautiful city in which you can relax and save, because you can get into a huge number of places for free. The old city of Tallinn, with medieval churches, towers, cathedrals, narrow streets and noisy squares – its main attraction. And behind his fortress walls there are many interesting places that tourists do not know about. We will tell you where to go to plunge into the life of modern Tallinn, without spending either the euro.
Flight hotel
1. Wandering around the Kalamaya area – the Primorsky quarter of artists and bohemia
Photo: MARET POLDVEER-TURAY / VISIT Tallinn
Since the 17th century, fishermen lived in a kalamaya, and in the 19th century huge factories were built on the wastelands. Soon, housing began to miss. And at the beginning of the 20th century, the authorities decided to build up the area with multi -colored low -rise buildings. At the end of the last century, low prices attracted students and artists and the district was transformed: Pykhya’s power station became the “Culture” art center, quests are being held in a battery prison, and production facilities turned into a creative town of Teleskivi. You can walk around the flea market in the kalama, look into antiques and art galleries, where the works of young artists and designers are exhibited.
2. To visit an old prison of Patare
Photo: ants-in-pans.com
The sea fortress was built in 1840 and was first used as an artillery battery and barracks, and in 1920 it became a prison. At the beginning of the zero, the prison stopped functioning and has since remained untouched. Today, you can get in the patrons for free: cameras, working zones and hospital compartment are open for visits. Some cameras were turned into artistic installations, others have preserved books and shoes of prisoners, as well as medical equipment. A great view of the sea opens from the observation deck. And in the summer here they often organize dancing on weekends.
3. Go on a free tour with a guide in the old city
Photo: Boris Strujko / Shutterstock.com
Tallinn Traveller Touurs, along with paid foot and bicycle excursions, organizes a free hiking tour of the city. During it, you will be held on the most beautiful churches and fortress walls of the old city, parks and squares. The guides will tell the history of the city and the main attractions, share amazing stories and city legends that the old city is famous for.
The tour begins at 12:00 every day at the tourist office on the corner of Neguiliste and Harju streets. And from June to August at 15:00 the second free tour starts. Preliminary registration on the site is needed only for groups of more than 8 people.
3. To visit a medieval pharmacy, at an organ music concert and in ancient artisan shops
Photo: Boris Strujko / Shutterstock.com
The old city is perfectly preserved, here you can see many attractions and find out the history of medieval Tallinn for free. Here are the places that you should visit:
– Domsky Cathedral is a medieval cathedral, the construction of which began in the 13th century. It is famous for the ancient frescoes and tombstones. And on Saturdays, free concerts of organ music are often held here, the schedule of which is posted on the doors of the cathedral.
– The Town Hall Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, which has been working since the 15th century. Near the modern pharmacy there is a small museum where you can see medicines that were popular in the Middle Ages: powders from bats and burned hedgehogs, a snake potion and nests of swallows.
– The transition of St. Catarina is the most picturesque street of the old city. Here are the shops of the artisans of the guild of St. Catarins, which are made of glass, clay, leather and metal products using ancient technologies. You can go to each of the shops and observe the work of the masters.
4. Go to the Pirita area, where there is a beach, sea and ancient ruins
Photo: Alya Alka
Primorsky district of Pirita began to develop before the 1980 Olympics and is now considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious areas of the city. A 4-kilometer sandy beach surrounded by a pine forest is a favorite resting place for citizens in the summer. Here you can swim, sunbathe and rest in the shade of trees. There are historical attractions very close nearby: the ruins of the monastery of St. The 15th century Brigitts and the castle of Count Orlov-Davydov, where the Museum of History is located.
5. See at Tallinn from a height
Photo: Getty / Visit Estonia
There are many viewing platforms in Tallinn with excellent views of the city and the sea, among which there are many free:
– The Kokhtuots site on the Tompea hill, from where a panoramic view of the old city and the sea opens. You can get on it around the clock along the hill stairs.
– The site on the top of the stairs of Patkul can get to the site by walking along Nunne Street and rising to the top of the stairs. From here is a great view of the Gulf of Finland, the towers of the Old City and the Schneell Park
– The upper floor of the Radisson Blu hotel, where the Lounge 24 bar is located, from which the whole city is visible. The bar works every day from 12:00 to 02:00, the entrance is free.
6. See the Japanese Garden and feed the birds in the Kadriorg Park
Photo: Yegorovnick / Shutterstock.com
The entrance to the Kadriorg Palace, built by order of Peter I in 1718, is paid. However, you can take a walk around the park surrounding the palace for free. This is a symmetrical, well -groomed and very beautiful park with rare trees and plants, flower beds, romantic arbors and a pond with swans.
Since 2011, the Cadriorg Park has become even more beautiful: in its northeastern part a Japanese garden appeared, created by the famous landscape designer Masao Sonya. There are compositions of stones, Japanese cherries, irises, violets and rhododendrons bloom.
Photo for Preview: Shutterstock.com
